The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) has named Rep. Rodney P. Frelinghuysen, R-Harding, its “Outstanding Legislator of 2010.”

The AUSA said it cited Frelinghuysen for his strong support of the Army, advocating veterans’ health care funding, caring for homeless veterans and working to pass the post-9/11 GI Bill of Rights. Frelinghuysen is a Vietnam War veteran.

The congressional district of John Adler is at the other end of the state, but a recent development there has stirred up some dust in political circles. It seems like there is a third man in the race, a conservative, who has the potential to split the Republican vote and help Adler. The GOP candidate is Jon Runyan, a former NFL tackle most known for playing with the Eagles.

And the scuttlebutt is that Adler’s camp is putting up the third man in the race. If so, so what?
This type of thing is hardly unique and falls under the heading of “Politics as usual.” It’s good politics to try to split your opponent’s support.

Doug Herbert, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the 11th District, thinks he can gain traction in an uphill battle by debating incumbent Rodney P. Frelinghuysen, R-Harding.

Herbert has written Frelinghuysen a letter asking for three debates; Good for Herbert. But most incumbents do not debate. Recall that during the Republican primary, Frelinghuysen refused to appear at some events that included his opponent, Rich Luzzi, a Tea Party guy. He will probably follow the same pattern this fall, but give Herbert kudos for trying.

If nothing else, Herbert has been able to put together a letterwriting campaign; a number of his supporters have sent us letters saying Frelinghuysen should debate.

We have an interesting battle developing in Rockaway Township. The township has barricaded the parking lot at the Split Rock Reservoir, a popular boating and swimming locale.

The reservoir is owned by Jersey City and access to it was granted a few years ago by the state DEP. But the township owns the road leading to the parking lot and it is that road that has been blockaded.

The township never wanted the reservoir open to the public; so it is not surprising it would take such pre-emptive action on the grounds that illegal (swimming) activity is taking place on the reservoir.

The town told the DEP it would blockade the parking lot 10 days in advance. But the DEP did nothing. Why? Where was the commissioner? Where was the DEP’s legal counsel? After all, blocking access to a state recreation area may not be legal.

The state Supreme Court today in a 3-3 vote denied to consider whether gay marriage should be a right in the state. Part of the problem has to do with the fact that the court is missing a judge after the term of John Wallace expired and he was not reappointed.

But let’s not forget that Democrats could have simply approved gay marriage in N.J. last year when Jon Corzine was governor. But they wimped out. Blame them, not the court.

Gov. Chris Christie made news on a Friday afternoon in July with his veto pen.

Perhaps the most controversial veto had to do with $7.4 million added to the budget at the last minute for women’s health services; the governor said, in effect, the state does not have the money.

Critics contend he is turning his back on women’s health issues. Here is what Planned Parenthood had to say:
“We were outraged to hear that the Governor has vetoed legislation that provided funding for women’s health care in New Jersey. Not only did this bill have its own funding source, but it allowed the state to leverage significant federal funding for these services.”